Hershey Park 2026 Guide: Best Rides and Tips

Why 2026 Brings Fresh Excitement to Hershey Park

Hershey Park has announced a major new coaster for 2026, continuing its tradition of innovation. The ride, set to be the tallest and fastest in the park, will feature a 200-foot drop and speeds exceeding 70 mph. This addition reinforces the park's reputation as a destination for thrill seekers and families alike.

Attendance at Hershey Park reached a record 3.5 million visitors in 2025, and the park expects even higher numbers in 2026. New attractions and enhanced services are driving this growth.

Beyond the coaster, the park is rolling out a reimagined mobile app with real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and virtual queue options. New seasonal events, including a expanded Halloween celebration and a winter festival, will extend operating hours well into November.

• Anticipated new coaster debuts in spring 2026, with a 200-foot drop and inversions.
• Enhanced app features: live wait tracking, mobile ordering, and virtual queue for popular rides.
• Extended hours during peak season and new nighttime shows.
• Expanded holiday events running from October through December.

The Definitive Ranking of Hershey Park’s Best Rides for 2026

Candymonium, the park’s hypercoaster, offers a smooth, airtime-filled experience that thrills without being overwhelming. Riders float over hills at 70 mph, making it a must-ride for any enthusiast.

“Candymonium is the smoothest coaster I’ve ever ridden,” says a regular visitor. “It’s the perfect mix of speed and comfort.”

Skyrush, known for its intense winged seating and rapid drops, is for adrenaline junkies. The ride’s 200-foot drop at a 90-degree angle produces sustained ejector airtime. Lightning Racer, a family-friendly wooden racing coaster, delivers fun without extreme intensity — ideal for groups with mixed thrill tolerances.

• Candymonium: Hypercoaster, 70 mph, 210-foot drop, smooth and re-rideable.
• Skyrush: Winged coaster, 200-foot drop, intense ejector airtime, not for the faint of heart.
• Lightning Racer: Racing wooden coaster, moderate thrills, great for families.
• Fahrenheit: 90-degree lift, cobra roll, a compact but intense experience.
• Storm Runner: Hydraulic launch, twists and loops, short but thrilling.

Your 2026 Money-Saving Toolkit: Tickets, Food, and Souvenirs

Purchase tickets online at least a week in advance to save up to $30 per person. The park’s dynamic pricing means gate tickets can cost $30 more than the online discount price of $74 for adults.

Online ticket buyers save an average of $30 per ticket compared to gate prices. A family of four can save $120 just by planning ahead.

Bring a reusable water bottle to use at free hydration stations scattered throughout the park. Food prices are steep — an average meal costs $15 — so consider the All-Day Dining Deal for $37. Use the Hershey Park app for exclusive digital coupons and meal deals.

• Buy tickets online at least one week ahead for the best price.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and use free hydration stations.
• Download the app for coupons and mobile ordering (skip food lines).
• Consider the All-Day Dining Pass for lunch and dinner if you plan to eat twice.

Maximize Your Trip: Nearby Attractions and Overnight Stays

Hershey's Chocolate World offers free admission and interactive tours — a perfect post-park activity. Visitors can create their own candy bar and sample free chocolate samples.

Book a room at the official Hershey Lodge or Hotel to get early park entry and a free shuttle. These properties often include discounted park tickets. For nature lovers, Hershey Gardens and ZooAmerica are within walking distance and offer a quieter day away from the crowds.

Staying at a Hershey property gives you early entry to the park 30 minutes before the general public — enough time to ride Candymonium before lines form.

• Visit Chocolate World for free tours and candy-making experiences.
• Stay at Hershey Lodge or Hotel for early park entry and shuttle service.
• Explore Hershey Gardens (44 acres of themed flowers) and ZooAmerica (200+ animals).
• Combine a park day with a visit to the Hershey Story Museum to learn about Milton Hershey.

Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead for 2026 by monitoring official Hershey Park announcements for new attractions and events.
• Prioritize riding Candymonium, Skyrush, and Lightning Racer using the app's wait time tracking.
• Save money by buying tickets online early, bringing water, and using digital coupons.
• Extend your trip with free attractions like Chocolate World and affordable stays at Hershey properties.
• Visit on weekdays or during non-peak hours to minimize wait times for popular rides.
• Always check height requirements and use Rider Swap for families with varying thrill levels.